Jacob e



J. E. BETZ. WIRE FENCE RATGHBT.

(No Model.)

Patented Aug. 21, 1894.

Y NORRIS PETERS co., PHOYO-LIT UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JACOB E. BETZ, OF SALEM, OHIO, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO JOHN. KLINE,

OF SAME PLACE.

WIRE-FENCE RATCHET.

SPEGIFIGATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 524,775, dated August 21, 1894. Application filed May 17, 1894.. Serial No. 511,513. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, JACOB E. BETZ, a citi panying drawings, and to the letters and numerals of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

My invention relates to improvements in wire-fence ratchets, the same comprising a gravity pawl, so held in the frame, that it provents the winding cylinder from moving laterally within its bearings. Thus it has a double function, that of acting as a pawl for the ratchet-wheel and preventing the displacement of the cylinder.

The objects are accomplished by the mechanism illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a front elevation of the device.

Fig. 2 is an inner view of the pawl. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the device.

Like letters and numerals designate like parts in the several views.

A is a cast iron frame comprising a rear flat portion adapted to be attached to the face of a post by nails through orifices 3, projections with orifices to form bearings for the winding cylinder, and the retaining lugs 6 and 7 for the retention of the. pawl. The winding cylinder 0 comprises a cylindrical part, provided with slot 4, in which is inserted the end of a wire, the ratchet wheel and a square end for'the engagement of a wrench. The pawl B comprises a lengthened body, which fills the space within the lugs of the frame, the top part adapted to engage the ratchet wheel and the thin web 1, to extend over a portion,

of the ratchet wheel; thereby preventing the same from being moved laterally in its bearings, unless the pawl is first removed from the frame, when it is readily withdrawn.

The use of the improved ratchet is to tighten and hold the line wires in the construction of a fence. The circular wire 5 may be used in the end of the pawl, to prevent the same from being lifted out of position in the frame, and is useful inkeeping the several parts together in shipping.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

In a tightening device for wire-fences the combination of the frame provided with exterior retaining lugs, the winding cylinder with ratchet wheel, and the sliding, gravitating pawl with retaining web held within said lugs of the frame, substantially as described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JACOB E. BETZ.

Witnesses:

J. D. BETZ, U. S. MARTIN. 

